Sunderland manager Steve Bruce has revealed for the first time that he tried to lure ex-Manchester United team-mate David Beckham back to English shores.
Bruce tried to sign Beckham on loan from LA Galaxy last season, but instead the former England skipper phoned him to tell him that he preferred AC Milan to Sunderland.
Milan has the Via Montenapoleone with its temples to Armani and Gucci, while Sunderland has the Bridges shopping centre featuring stottie cakes by Greggs and Peacocks ladieswear.
Bruce, speaking ahead of Sunderland's Boxing Day trip to Old Trafford, said: "I was Becks' captain at Old Trafford. I still keep in touch with him and tried to sign him 18 months ago.
"Did I get any encouragement at all? No, he just said: 'Thanks Brucie, but I'm going to Milan.' I understand that. It was Milan and Prada or Sunderland and Primark!"
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